plural drafts
1
: a version of something (such as a document) that you make before you make the final version
The published poem differs quite a bit from earlier drafts.
I just completed a rough draft [=a first version that needs a lot of editing and rewriting] of my speech.
The final draft [=the final version] is due tomorrow.
2
US draft
or British draught
: cool air moving in a closed space (such as a room)
You may want to seal the windows with plastic to stop drafts.
3
US
a
: a system in which young people are required to join the armed forces of a country for a period of service
—usually singular
There is debate about whether the country needs a draft.
Congress reinstated the draft.
—often used before another nounHe burned his draft card.
He's a draft dodger. [=a person who illegally avoids joining the armed forces]
b
: a system by which professional sports teams choose players from college or high school teams
—usually singular
He was chosen in the first round of the draft.
—often used before another noundraft day
He was a first-round draft pick.
4
US draft
or British draught formal + literary
: an act of drinking something
also
: the amount swallowed at one time
He took a big draft of beer.
5
US draft
or British draught
: a beer that is stored in and poured from a large container
The bar has 15 different drafts on tap.
6
: an order for the payment of money from a person or bank to another person or bank
The bank issued a draft.
Payment must be made by bank draft.
7
US draft
or British draught technical
a
: the depth of water that a boat needs in order to be able to float
—usually singular
a boat with a deep/shallow draft
a ship with 45 feet of draft
b
: the depth of the water in a river, channel, etc.
a canal/channel that provides 60 feet of draft
8
British
: checker entry 2
always used before a noun
1
US draft
or British draught of an animal
: used for pulling heavy loads
draft animals/horses
2
US draft
or British draught of beer
: stored in and poured from a large container
draft beer
3
: not yet in the final form
a draft law/constitution/treaty
drafts; drafted; drafting
1
: to make a version of (something, such as a document or plan) that will need more work in order to be finished
He drafted a speech.
The two countries are drafting a treaty.
2
a
: to choose (someone) for a special purpose
The drama club drafted three teenagers to be in the parade.
—often used as (be/get) draftedA few of us were drafted to help distribute flyers.
He got drafted for the fall play.
b
US
: to officially order (someone) to join the armed forces
The legislature debated drafting more soldiers.
—often used as (be/get) draftedHe was drafted for the war.
He got drafted into the army.
c
US
: to choose (someone) to play on a professional sports team
The new rule prohibits teams from drafting players under 18.
—often used as (be/get) draftedHe was drafted in the first round.
He got drafted by the Jets.
Cite this Entry
“Draft.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/draft. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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